Tony Blair’s plan to make a comeback to political life by spearheading an anti-Brexit group was last night welcomed by Eurosceptics who said it would increase public support for leaving the EU.

Tory MPs welcomed Mr Blair's decision to set up a new political institute that will seek to influence Britain's withdrawal and said that the level of public anger still directed at the former Labour leader will simply embolden the Brexit movement.

Tory MPs seeking a 'hard Brexit' have welcomed Mr Blair's return to politics, arguing that he "repels" most people.

Owen Paterson, the former Environment Secretary, told the Telegraph: "This is glorious news, he is one of those discredited establishment figures who repels many people. For this he must win the international prize for lack of self awareness this year."

Peter Lilley, the MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, said: "He does discredit most things he touches, so that must be beneficial for us. Basically he is not in favour of Brexit, he is in favour of a hokey-cokey Brexit.

"One where you take your left leg out, put your left leg in, shake it all about and end up where you were when you started."

Watch | PM: Brexit plans are 'on track'

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John Redwood, the MP for Wokingham, said: "I think its a complete win for my side, he's unpopular with the Labour Party and was never popular with the Conservative party.

"I welcome him being an intervener in all the things that we hold dear. It is a great help to us."

Steve Baker, the Eurosceptic Tory MP, added that Mr Blair's plans made him "very happy" and he was sure he would be a "great asset."